Friday Night Storm Clears the Air in Missoula Valley, Most of Western Montana – Fire Update Through Saturday Morning

Many Missoulians and folks residing in western Montana are thanking Mother Nature this morning for some much needed precipitation. The rain and wind led to clear skies, greeting residents with fresh air and a little less smoke. 

A huge difference was seen in Glacier National Park, an area where most fires have been seen this summer. The 8,500 feet Swiftcurrent Lookout just reported snow and temperatures of around 34 degrees!

Lucky for many western Montanans are firefighters across the area, a cold front is expected to bring much cooler temperatures this weekend. A chance of frost is also expected Saturday and Sunday morning.

As of this morning, the Thompson Fire which is just over 14,000 acres has calmed just a bit with the weather change and cooler temperatures, allowing for smoke to disappear. Highway 2 also reopened this morning. Click here for more traffic and road closure updates. 'Set' action plans are still in place for residents in case of any fire changes. Stage II fire restrictions are also still in effect here and throughout the rest of northwest Montana.

The Sheep Fire is calculated to be at 428 acres with zero percent of that fire contained. Due to steep, difficult terrain, firefighters are struggling to get a handle on this fire, and dealing with overall limited access. Residents in the Highway 2 corridor remain under the 'Set' action plan as well, as should prepare for possible evacuations at any time.